Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo recently carried out an offseason tradition, handing out the latest edition of his signature shoes, the Nike Zoom Freak 5, to his fellow teammates and various employees of the Bucks organization.
Freak 5 Time 🔥👟 pic.twitter.com/S1Gcwzjik6
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) October 22, 2023
One of the notable recipients of the gift is his new teammate Damian Lillard, who has a $100 million deal with rival shoe brand Adidas.
"Hey man, I appreciate it. I really appreciate this," the 33-year-old said upon being handed the shoe box.
Antetokounmpo then requested a pair of Lillard's own Adidas signature shoes, which the latter gladly agreed to provide soon.
"Make sure you give me one of yours, too," the 2021 NBA Finals MVP said.
The former Blazers guard also asked the two-time NBA MVP to sign the Nike shoes he had gifted him.
"I got you man. I need mine signed.. your good signature," the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member responded.
Read more: Philadelphia 76ers Star Joel Embiid Nearing Endorsement Deal With Unconventional Shoe Brand
Damian Lillard reportedly ending ties with Adidas
The seven-time NBA All-Star is reportedly leaving the German shoe brand at the end of his contract next year, according to Marca.
Lillard's most recent shoe launch with Adidas was the DAME 8 EXTPLY, which debuted at the end of August.
Although not an entirely new model, it followed the Dame 8's release in December 2021, hinting at a potential slowdown in the partnership that used to produce annual shoe releases.
Aside from Lillard, longtime endorser Derrick Rose is also rumored to leave Adidas next year, with the brand focusing on the next generation of stars with Anthony Edwards, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell.
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